The twelve days of Christmas used to be a big deal. By the way, they are from Christmas through Jan 5, NOt up to Christmas. Thus they are a clear reminder that we should really be kind to each other all the time and not just for one brief season as the year comes to a close.

So, I, too, shall jump the shark - er, I mean the season, and wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

AVATAR: Billy DeWolfe as Mrs. Murgatroid, “Blue Skies” (1946)

“My ancestors came over on the Mayflower.”“You’re lucky. Now they have immigration laws."Mae West, The Heat’s On” (1943)